Collagen is the most common protein found in your body. It is found in your skin but also in tendons, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, teeth and many other body parts.
Collagen plays several roles in your health:
– It helps keep your skin looking and feeling younger. DID YOU KNOW? Collagen actually makes up70%-80% of your skin.
– It keeps our bones nice and strong.
– It provides flexibility and structure to your tendons and ligaments.
– It helps strengthen various tissues around your body.
Over time your body starts to produce less collagen. In fact, starting in your 20’s, you will lose about 1% of your collagen production each year. UV rays and pollution can decrease collagen production by breaking down the enzymes in your skin that help make collagen.
For women specifically, change in hormone levels can also lower collagen production. According to the American Academy ofDermatology, in the first 5 years of menopause collagen production decreases by about 30%. The quality of the collagen that your body produces will also change overtime. The lower quality and quantity of collagen in your body will cause your skin to lose elasticity which leads to more fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Frieling explains that Collagen is made in the body with the help of Vitamin C, the amino acids glycine and proline (which help build protein) and the mineral, copper. Copper activates an enzyme involved in collagen production.
What Can I Do To Help Collagen Production and Maintain Healthy Skin?
Eating protein rich will provide your body with the amino acids needed for collagen production. Some examples of protein sources that help the body make collagen are bone broths from animals, chicken, turkey, meats, eggs, salmon, soybeans and lentils. However, we cannot forget Vitamin-C rich fruits and vegetables such as Brussel sprouts, kiwi, oranges, pineapples and sweet potatoes. These can also assist in collagen production as Vitamin-C is essential in collagen production as well.
Using products with Hyaluronic Acid,Vitamin C and Collagen Peptides will help maintain elasticity and collagen in your skin. Products such as Melange Antioxydant: Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Blend, Formule Jeunesse: Innovative Anti-Aging Formula, Crème C Brillante: Vitamin C Luxcreme and Crème Solaire Hydratant: Hydrating Tinted Sunshield will perfectly protect and plump the skin with collagen stimulating ingredients.
